MMAjunkie.com Articles

Fight Path: Globetrotter Lee Gibson (finally) makes MMA return at Strikeforce Challengers

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:55:00 GMT

Lee Gibson characterizes himself as someone who simply can't sit still.

A gym rat even when he was a tyke, Gibson has experienced a lot in his 33 years. After growing up in both Florida and Missouri, Gibson eventually traveled South America as an Army Ranger, fought fires in Kansas City, toured the Middle East with a military contracting company, and even launched professional boxing and MMA careers throughout the Midwest.

In our latest "Fight Path" installment, MMAjunkie.com's Kyle Nagel explains how Gibson now returns from a two-year layoff due to an EliteXC contract dispute to compete at the Nov. 20 Strikeforce Challengers event.

"TUF 9" lightweight winner Ross Pearson seeks his fighter license at UFC 105

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:45:00 GMT

MANCHESTER, England - For some, just having your hand raised at the end of a season of "The Ultimate Fighter" would be enough.

For "The Ultimate Fighter 9" winner Ross Pearson (9-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC), it doesn't mean a thing.

"I haven't done anything in the world of mixed martial arts yet, to be honest with you," Pearson told MMAjunkie.com. "'The Ultimate Fighter' was a learning curve. It was a testing ground to see how I would cope. I think now, this is where my official career starts."

MMAjunkie Radio: "TUF 10's" Brendan Schaub and "TSJ" winner Matt Petterson

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:30:00 GMT

MMAjunkie.com Radio welcomes MMAjunkie.com blogger and "The Ultimate Fighter 10" contestant Brendan Schaub and "The Sunday Junkie" winner Matt Petterson to today's show.

Schaub calls in to discuss the "TUF" quarterfinals, Quinton Jackson's chicken assault, the ongoing saga of Matt Mitrione and his own upcoming bout with Jon Madsen. Petterson calls to discuss his recent winning entry on Brett Rogers.

MMAjunkie.com Radio begins at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

James Te Huna meets Igor Pokrajac at Australia's UFC 110 event

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Recent UFC signee and Australian MMA veteran James Te Huna (11-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has an opponent for his octagon debut at UFC 110: Igor Pokrajac (21-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC).

A source close to the event told MMAjunkie.com the fight, which was first reported by Fighters Only on Wednesday, likely will be part of the night's preliminary card.

Although not officially announced by the organization, and though UFC UK President Marshall Zelaznik today told MMAjunkie.com the show is "still in the works," UFC 110 is expected to take place Feb. 21 at Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia.

Report: Matt Hughes vs. Renzo Gracie planned for UFC 109 in February

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:30:00 GMT

A welterweight bout between former champ Matt Hughes (43-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC) and PRIDE veteran/probably UFC newcomer Renzo Gracie (13-6-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is expected to be part of next year's UFC 109 card.

That's according to a report from Jeremy Botter at Heavy.com.

UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta recently posted a message on Twitter stating Gracie could sign with the UFC, and as MMAjunkie.com recently reported, UFC president Dana White said he expects Hughes to return in early 2010, possibly on the Super Bowl weekend card.

UFC 105 "runner-up" Mike Swick laughs off sarcastic souvenir from Dan Hardy

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:40:00 GMT

MANCHESTER, England - Prior to his June bout with Marcus Davis, UFC welterweight Dan Hardy (22-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC) found himself engaged in quite the trash-talking battle with his opponent.

That hasn't been the case in the build up for his "UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera" main-card bout with Mike Swick (14-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) - at least until today.

In a good-natured poke at today's pre-fight press conference at MEN Arena in Manchester, Hardy handed Swick a souvenir of his trip to England: a runner-up trophy.

Welterweight James Wilks: "I'm glad they've given me a tough fight" at UFC 105

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:50:00 GMT

MANCHESTER, England - "The Ultimate Figher" winners are often considered prospects, young in their career and in need of some refinement before moving on to face top-quality opponents.

"TUF 9" winner James Wilks might appear to fit that mold at first glance, but as he prepares to face a tough Matt Brown at Saturday's UFC 105 event in Manchester, England, "Lightning" believes his time is now.

"I want to establish myself as a legitimate fighter," Wilks told MMAjunkie.com. "I want the toughest opponents, and I want to challenge myself and test myself. That's what I'm here for. I'm glad they've given me a tough fight."

Watch Thursday's UFC 105 press conference live on MMAjunkie.com at 8 a.m. ET

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

MMAjunkie.com readers are invited to watch Thursday morning's pre-event press conference for "UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera," which we'll carry live at 8 a.m. ET (5 a.m. PT).

Today's media event takes place at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England, and features UFC UK President Marshal Zelaznik, headliners Randy Couture and Brandon Vera, and main-card fighters Mike Swick, Dan Hardy, Michael Bisping and Denis Kang.

The event serves as a lead-in for Saturday's UFC 105 event, which airs via same-day delay on Spike TV from the MEN Arena.

Brendan Schaub's blog for "The Ultimate Fighter 10," episode No. 9

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:15:00 GMT

"The Ultimate Fighter 10" cast member Brendan Schaub, who blogs about this season of the reality show exclusively for MMAjunkie.com, has returned with his thoughts on episode No. 9.

The undefeated heavyweight fighter writes new blog entries each Thursday morning, and today's entry talks about the recent fight between Roy Nelson and Justin Wren. Schaub discusses the fight and offers his thoughts on Matt Mitrione, practical jokes and the season's apparent lone alternate, Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson.

Check out today's entry as Schaub takes readers behind the scenes of Spike TV's "The Ultimate Fighter 10: Heavyweights."

Episode No. 9 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter 10: Heavyweights"

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:50:00 GMT

Welcome to MMAjunkie.com's recap for episode No. 9 of "The Ultimate Fighter 10."

The heavyweights-only season of the reality show, which features former UFC champions Rashad Evans and Quinton Jackson as coaches, airs each Wednesday (10 p.m. ET/PT) on Spike TV and features 16 UFC hopefuls. The first quarterfinal matchup airs in this episode.

For a full rundown of the episode, including the show's fight result, check out the summary. (Warning: Episode spoilers are included.)

"The Ultimate Fighter 10: Heavyweights" episode No. 9 discussion thread

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The ninth episode of "The Ultimate Fighter 10: Heavyweights" airs tonight on Spike TV at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

This serves as tonight's discussion thread for the episode, in which the quarterfinals commence with seven Team Rashad fighters and a lone Team Rampage representative.

Follow along with tonight's episode on Spike TV, and discuss it in the comments section of this thread. We'll then have an episode recap posted following the show's conclusion. (West Coast viewers take note: the comments section will obviously have spoilers for tonight's episode.)

Late push could help UFC 105 challenge for European attendance record

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:20:00 GMT

MANCHESTER, England - The record stands at 16,235, which was set in September 2007 for the highly anticipated UFC 75 event at The O2 in London, England.

But a late push for this weekend's UFC 105 show could allow Manchester and the MEN Arena to set the UFC attendance record for a European show.

UFC officials expect a sellout, and the late addition of a new seating section could help Saturday's event top London's mark.

Spike TV airs two UFC 106 prelimary fights commercial-free on Nov. 21

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:15:00 GMT

Spike TV today officially announced that two bouts from next week's UFC 106 preliminary card will air on the cable station as a lead-in to the night's pay-per-view-televised main card.

MMAjunkie.com reported the news on Tuesday, though Spike TV officials could not confirm the Nov. 21 broadcast plans at the time.

As part of today's official announcement, Spike TV confirmed Marcus Davis (16-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) vs. Ben Saunders (7-1-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and Kendall Grove (10-6 MMA, 5-3 UFC) vs. Jake Rosholt (6-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) both air commercial free as part of the broadcast special.

Video preview: "TUF 10" quarterfinals kick off tonight with Nelson vs. Wren

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:50:00 GMT

"The Ultimate Fighter 10" has concluded its opening round and kicks off the quarterfinals of the show's 16-man tournament in tonight's ninth episode.

The show airs at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV, and a preview clip of the episode can be found after the jump.

With Rashad Evans' team advancing seven of the eight quarterfinalists (to Quinton Jackson's one), tonight's episode features a bout between two Team Rashad fighters, Justin Wren and former IFL champion Roy Nelson.

CBS.com makes full "Strikeforce" Fedor vs. Rogers" event available for viewing

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:00:00 GMT

The full CBS broadcast of "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers" is available for high-definition viewing on CBS.com.

The two-hour-plus video includes the night's headliner between Fedor Emelianenko and Brett Rogers, as well as a co-headliner between Jake Shields and Jason "Mayhem" Miller for the vacant middleweight belt.

The Nov. 7 event, which was Strikeforce's first on CBS, took place at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Denis Kang says UFC 105 bout with Bisping "almost like a free fight for me"

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:50:00 GMT

It's often said that the quality of a fighter can be measured by how he bounces back from a difficult loss.

Eleven-year veteran Denis Kang (32-11-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) knows that, and he displayed his grit with an April win over Xavier Foupa-Pokam after suffering a frustrating loss to Alan Belcher in January.

Now Kang travels to England to see how Michael Bisping (17-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) will rebound from a devastating July defeat to Dan Henderson, and the middleweight believes the Brit's mindset may very well be a key factor in the fight.

MMAjunkie Radio: MMA legend and UFC 110 headliner Wanderlei Silva (in studio)

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:30:00 GMT

MMAjunkie.com Radio is happy to announce that MMA legend Wanderlei Silva joins the crew today in studio to co-host the show for the full two-hour episode.

Silva had been expected on Monday, but scheduling conflicts forced the Brazilian to reschedule for today. "The Axe Murderer" will take calls from the fans and answer questions on his upcoming bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 110 in Australia, his drop to 185 pounds, and what the future holds for the fearsome slugger.

MMAjunkie.com Radio begins at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Spike TV's "UFC Main Events" draws 2.14 million viewers over two airings

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:45:00 GMT

This past weekend's "UFC Main Events" special, which countered the CBS "Saturday Night Fights" broadcast of "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers," drew 2.14 million viewers during its back-to-back airings, Spike TV officials confirmed with MMAjunkie.com.

The 9 p.m. ET/PT airing of the special drew 1.2 million viewers, and the 11 p.m. replay drew an additional 939,000 viewers.

The two-hour special featured four major bouts from recent UFC pay-per-view events.

Stefan Struve replaces Todd Duffee, meets Paul Buentello on UFC 107 main card

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:25:00 GMT

With Todd Duffee (5-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) off the card due to injury, UFC rookie Stefan Struve (18-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) has been tapped as a replacement and meets Paul Buentello (27-10 MMA, 3-1 UFC) next month at UFC 107.

Despite the loss of Duffee, who posted the fastest knockout in UFC history during his promotional debut in August, Buentello vs. Struve remains on the televised main card.

UFC 107 takes place Dec. 12 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., and airs on pay-per-view.

Randy Couture still seeking challenges as he readies for UFC 105

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:30:00 GMT

You can probably count on one hand the number of mixed martial artists who could sign a seven-fight UFC contract at 46 years old and wouldn't make you snicker.

Actually, you can probably do it on one finger.

But the lone qualifying athlete, Randy Couture (16-10 MMA, 13-7 UFC) did exactly that earlier this year, and "The Natural" recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio that he still has plenty of goals left to reach - in two weight classes - in his Hall of Fame career.

M-1 exec Jerry Millen: Fedor Emelianenko will fight Brock Lesnar for free

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:00:00 GMT

First, it was Randy Couture. Now, it's Brock Lesnar.

Each time former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko (31-1) adds another win to his already impressive career total, fans from across the world call for the Russian to face the UFC's reigning king.

Emelianenko toppled the previously undefeated Brett Rogers at Saturday night's Strikeforce and M-1 Global co-promotion, "Fedor vs. Rogers," and those requests have already begun again. While the UFC's unwillingness to co-promote has proved an insurmountable roadblock in the past, M-1 Global USA vice president Jerry Millen has a simple solution: do it for free.

UFC 108's Nogueira vs Velasquez winner guaranteed title shot

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:05:00 GMT

Today's officially announced UFC 108 headliner between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-5-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and Cain Velasquez (7-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) will, in fact, determine a No. 1 contender.

The winner of that fight, which takes place Jan. 2, will meet the winner of UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin.

Lesnar vs. Carwin originally was slated as next week's UFC 106 headliner, but the bout is now on hold due to a bout of mononucleosis that's slowed the champ.

Source: Spike TV to broadcast UFC 106 prelim fights, including Davis vs. Saunders

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:50:00 GMT

For the third consecutive UFC pay-per-view event, Spike TV will air a portion of the night's preliminary card.

A source close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com that Spike TV will carry live two fights from next week's "UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin II" card.

The one-hour broadcast will feature a potentially exciting welterweight contest between strikers Marcus Davis (16-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) and Ben Saunders (7-1-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC), as well as a middleweight bout between Kendall Grove (10-6 MMA, 5-3 UFC) and Jake Rosholt (6-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC).

Nogueira vs. Velasquez headliner, Evans vs. Silva announced for UFC 108

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:15:00 GMT

With the loss of a planned main event between UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and challenger Vitor Belfort, the UFC will instead pit former UFC heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-5-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and undefeated contender Cain Velasquez (7-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) in the main event of UFC 108.

The UFC today officially announced the rumored fight, as well as a co-headliner between former champ Rashad Evans (13-1-1 MMA, 8-1-1 UFC) and Thiago Silva (14-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC).

UFC 108 takes place Jan. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs on pay-per-view.

Strikeforce's Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers event peaks with 5.46 million viewers

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:20:00 GMT

The return of MMA to the CBS airwaves netted the network 5.46 million viewers for the Strikeforce/M-1 Global main event between Fedor Emelianenko and Brett Rogers, official today announced.

Overall, the two-hour-plus broadcast averaged 4.04 million viewers and a 2.5 household rating.

The event, which took place this past Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill., also scored top ratings in key demographics.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza at DREAM.9: HDNet Fights Video Vault

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:10:00 GMT

Earlier this year, the Japanese-based DREAM organization put together a star-studded DREAM.9 card that featured the opening round of the open-weight "Super Hulk" tournament, the the second round of the feather grand prix, and two super fights.

One of those non-tournament bouts, Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, took top the main event slot.

The two middleweights fought a year earlier with Souza winning a close decision, and both were fired up for the rematch.

"WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" fighter weigh-ins set for Nov. 17 at the Palms

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:40:00 GMT

Official fighter weigh-ins for next week's "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" event, which features a headliner between WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown and challenger Jose Aldo, take place Tuesday, Nov. 17, at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

The weigh-ins begin at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT local time). Doors to the event, which is open and free to the public, open at 6 p.m. ET.

The WEC hosts a fighter Q&A session immediately following the conclusion of the weigh-ins.

MMAjunkie.com Radio: UFC's Frank Trigg and Strikeforce Challengers winner Billy Evangelista

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:25:00 GMT

UFC welterweight Frank Trigg, one of the founding fathers of MMAjunkie.com Radio, returns to the show today as an in-studio guest. Trigg discusses his return to the organization, recent surgery and when we may see him back in the octagon.

Also joining today's episode is undefeated lightweight Billy Evangelista, a top contender who defeated Jorge Gurgel at this past weekend's "Strikeforce Challengers" event in Fresno, Calif.

MMAjunkie.com Radio begins at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Report: Nate Marquardt vs. Chael Sonnen targeted for UFC 110 in Australia

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:10:00 GMT

With the UFC's middleweight title picture and a planned Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort title fight on hold, arguably the division's No. 1 contender, Nate Marquardt, will apparently return to action in February.

According to sportsnet.ca, Marquardt (29-8-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) meets Chael Sonnen (24-10-1 MMA, 3-3 UFC) at UFC 110, though bout agreement have not been signed.

Sources close to the event told MMAjunkie.com the matchup was possible but didn't indicate an event date.

Round 5's UFC Series 1 figurines available for holidays, production completed

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:40:00 GMT

The latest line of Round 5 MMA figurines, UFC Series 1, is completed, and a limited number of each will be available at Toys "R" Us in time for the holidays.

As announced in September, the latest series of figurines includes UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, former champs Chuck Liddell and Rashad Evans, and contenders Kenny Florian and Clay Guida.

The figurines will be available throughout North American beginning in January.

"UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin II" fight card official with 11 bouts

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:55:00 GMT

The existing "UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin II" fight card is complete as is with a total of 11 bouts.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Monday confirmed the fight card is official.

UFC 106, headlined by a light heavyweight rematch between former UFC champions Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin, takes place Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Miguel Torres: Training with boxer Miguel Cotto an "eye-opening" experience

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:10:00 GMT

Even the great ones need help.

There also comes the time when the best, the near-perfect, have to destroy even the smallest traces of arrogance.

That's how former WEC bantamweight kingpin Miguel Torres, who looks to reclaim his belt in 2010, and top welterweight boxing contender Miguel Cotto, who meets Manny Pacquiao in a Saturday pay-per-view blockbuster, came to join forces recently in Florida.

"Countdown to UFC 105" preview show debuts tonight on Spike TV

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:05:00 GMT

The Ultimate Fighting Championship's traditional pre-event preview show debuts tonight for this weekend's "UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera" event.

"Countdown to UFC 105" airs at 11 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV, and replays of the hour-long special are set for Thursday, Nov. 12 at 1 a.m. ET/PT and Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. ET/PT.

The show focuses on headliners Randy Couture and Brandon Vera, who meet in UFC 105's light heavyweight main event.

First peek of "EA Sports MMA" videogame unveiled at Strikeforce event

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:30:00 GMT

The first look at EA Sports' new MMA offering was unveiled during Saturday's "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers" event.

The vehicle proved fitting since "EA Sports MMA" features both Strikeforce and Strikeforce fighters prominently throughout the game, which goes head-to-head with the breakout "UFC Undisputed" title, which THQ launched earlier this year with booming sales.

Check out a clip of the EA Sports game after the jump.

Stephan Bonnar vs. Krzysztof Soszynski in the works for UFC 110 in February

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:00:00 GMT

A light heavyweight bout between "The Ultimate Fighter 1" runner-up Stephan Bonnar (11-6 MMA, 5-5 UFC) and "TUF 8" cast member Krzysztof Soszynski (18-9 MMA, 3-1 UFC) is expected to take place in February at UFC 110.

The bout was first reported as a possibility by MMAWeekly, and MMAjunkie.com was told by a source close to the event that at least one competitor has been told bout agreements will be distributed this week.

UFC 110 takes place Feb. 21 at Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia.